It has been an eventful month in Vietnam with regards to the freedom movement. The situation is still bleak, as the Communist Party is still unwilling to improve on human rights, and the crackdowns are only getting harsher. However, even with the continued brutality of the dictatorship, their is much to be optimistic about, for the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese youth is just beginning to come to fruition.

In recent weeks, a series of crackdowns have permeated Vietnam, leading to a wide range of arrests all across the country. Though this may be ordinary in the Communist state, the outcome of these arrests are anything but normal. One very notable case, involving two young dissidents, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Uyen and Mr. Dinh Nguyen Kha, paints an extremely hopeful picture for the future of a Vietnam in need.

Like many before them, the two dissidents were detained by the Vietnam government, simply because of their patriotic sentiments in the face of Chinese aggression. Following their arrests, the Communist Party would put the young woman and man on a show trial before slapping them with harsh jail terms. At the show trial however, the captives would do something that has never been done before: Speak out publicly against the Vietnamese Communist Party, against the Chinese aggressors, and against the entire repressive regime.

With neither fear or remorse, Nguyen Phuong Uyen, a young university student, shamed the Communist Party for their cowardice, as well as their pathetic display against the invading Chinese. Her eloquence and courage left the judge and jury dumbfounded, embarrassed by Ms. Uyen’s insight and brutal honesty. Mr. Kha expressed similar sentiments, and was also unapologetic for his patriotism and denouncement of the Communist Party.

As a result, the two are sentenced to excessive jail times. Nguyen Phuong Uyen is faced with a 6-year jail term plus 3 years house arrest, while Dinh Nguyen Kha is hit with 10 years, with 3 years house arrest. Uyen and Kha are both members of an underground movement in Vietnam who call themselves Tuoi Tre Yeu Nuoc, which translates to The Patriotic Youth. Not much is known about them, but from the looks of things, they are not afraid of the Communist Party, nor are they content with sitting idly by while the Vietnamese Communists let the country slip closer and closer into the grips of Beijing.

I will work to keep you updated on the situation. For now, it looks like there is a new generation of dissidents. They are young, they are intelligent, and they are no longer afraid to stand face to face with the cowardly Party. The Communists grow weaker with each passing day, and now, it is no longer a guarantee that they can keep the people down.